Sound Advice

I love the story shared by veteran American League Baseball umpire, Bill Guthrie. He once was working behind the dish (home plate) and the catcher for the visiting team was repeatedly protesting his calls. Guthrie endured this for a number of innings and then called a halt.

“Son,” he said softly, “You’ve been a big help to me in calling balls and strikes today, and I appreciate it. But I think I have got the hang of it now. So I’m going to ask you to go to the clubhouse and show whoever is there how to take a shower.”

Do you ever find yourself telling God what he needs to be doing or are you learning more and more, as I am, the importance of hearing what he is saying? I suspect that much of our time is telling God how to call things. The Word is clear about making our requests known and we are reminded that we often don’t have because we have not asked. But today there is a real need for us to listen to what The Lord is saying.

Psalm 81:13-16
If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

Notice all the things the Lord promises if we would but listen. They include: protection , peace – provision.

You are entering into one of the most opportune seasons of the year. Here are some actions I would encourage you to consider.

1. Take a day away for prayer and meditation about the future.
2. Put together a life and leadership calendar for 2015.
3. Call your Church or your ministry team to a time of prayer for the days ahead.
4. Secure a CD or i-Tunes account with uplifting music and listen to it.
5. Spend time with a trusted friend and pray together.
6. Write out the top three things you would like to accomplish between now and the end of the year.
7. Listen to at least one great preacher or speaker a week.

Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.